Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread (Cheesy Garlic Version)

Cheese Filling

• 200–250 g mozzarella, cut into small cubes
  (you can also use string cheese, cut into pieces)

Garlic Butter Topping

• 60 g unsalted butter, melted (about 4 tbsp)

• 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)

• A pinch of salt

To Serve

• 1 cup warm marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping

• Extra grated Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough Balls

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F.

2. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

If you use pizza dough:

• Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 30×40 cm / 12×16 inch).

• Cut into about 25–30 small squares.

If you use biscuit dough:

• Separate each biscuit and cut each one into 2–3 pieces, depending on size.

You want small pieces that you can wrap around a cube of cheese.

Step 2 – Fill with Cheese

1. Place one dough piece in your hand.

2. Put a small cube of mozzarella in the centre.

3. Bring the edges of the dough up and around the cheese, pinching to seal tightly.

4. Roll gently into a ball, seam side down.

Repeat until all dough pieces are filled and shaped into balls.

Step 3 – Arrange as a Christmas Tree

On the baking tray:

1. Start at the bottom and build a triangle / tree shape with the balls:

   • 6 balls on the bottom row

   • 5 balls above

   • 4 balls

   • 3 balls

   • 2 balls

   • 1 ball at the top (the “star”)

2. Optional: add 2 small dough balls at the bottom centre as a tree trunk.

Leave a tiny bit of space between each ball so they can rise and touch as they bake.

Step 4 – Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix:

• Melted butter

• Minced garlic

• Parsley

• Parmesan (if using)

• Pinch of salt

Stir well.

Use a brush or spoon to brush the tops of all the dough balls generously with this garlic butter.

Step 5 – Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until:

   • The balls are puffed

   • The tops are golden brown

   • Some melted cheese may be peeking out (that’s perfect!)

2. If the tops brown too fast, you can loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.

Step 6 – Finish & Serve

1. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, you can brush with a bit more melted butter if you want extra shine.

2. Sprinkle with extra parsley and Parmesan to make it look festive.

3. Place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce at the base of the tree or in the centre of the tray.

Serve warm. Let everyone pull off a cheesy ball, dip in the sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Herb version: Add dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil) to the dough or butter.

• Spicy version: Mix a pinch of chili flakes into the garlic butter.

• Extra cheesy: Put a little grated Parmesan inside with the mozzarella cubes.

• Sweet version: Skip garlic and cheese, fill with Nutella or chocolate, brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar + cinnamon (Christmas Tree dessert).